Liz and Laurence Killick

My lady and I are planning to do likewise (still a few years
off as my daughter has to qualify before we can leave) and spent
quite a long time looking for a suitable boat. In particular we
looked at Nicholson 32, 35, 38, early Rassey's, Moodys, and
others in addition to which my job gives me the chance to climb
over a lot other boats as part of my working day.

Whilst looking at Nich's we came across a Warrior 35, centre
cockpit, long keel cruising yacht designed by Angus Primrose and
built by Trident Marine in Portchester, Hants and still in
business. We both felt that this was the best combination of
cabin and cockpit space and a design that looked very seaworthy,
all well within our budget of £40K.

Having decided on the boat, we spent another 8 months looking
for one and we finally bought in May this year. We sailed down to
Douarnenez as a first passage to see just how comfortable a long
keeler is and we were delighted. If we had not arranged to meet
friends there we would have carried on down to Spain. We are
planning a three week trip to La Coruna in August next year,
perhaps as part of the Biscay Triangle Rally which goes Torquay,
La Coruna, La Trinite, Torquay or just with another couple of
boats going Hamble - La Coruna and back, this latter having the
advantage of a 600 mile trip which we need as part of the
requirement for Yachtmaster Ocean. To some extent this trip will
be the acid test as to whether or not we like sailing long
distances and a couple of Biscay crossings is a good thing to
have under ones belt. So far the boat can do no wrong and we have
only had our beliefs confirmed that this was the right boat for
us.

We have got as far as deciding which places we both want to
see and this has gone some way toward formulating an itinerary:-
Lofoten Islands, Swedish and Finnish archipelago, Western Isles,
Galway and Kerry, the Med., the Caribbean, Maine, Brasse D'Or
lakes and Button Islands, West Canadian coast and Alaska and the
Marianas.

By the time we set sail we will have fitted the following gear
to the boat. Wind steering and power generation by Windhunter.
Sea water cooled refrigerator and diesel fired warm air heating
with outlets into sleeping quarters, heads and saloon. Over boom
cover with rain catcher, bimini, full length cover. Twistle yard
rig.

If you have access to the South Coast (UK) you should call
Richard Seymour at Kings
Yacht Agency, Shamrock Quay, Southampton who knows more about
Nich's and cruising boats in general that most other people. He
always has a good selection of boats on his books. If you would
like to see our boat, just drop me line; she'll be in commission
until January.